Absence

Hello all.  I have been and will be away from my blog for an undetermined time.  My dear father entered the gates of Heaven the Friday after Thanksgiving.  I will attempt to return here soon.  

Inspired Stamps Tutorial Using Stamping Gear

If you are like me, you always want to try out the latest gadgets in stamping.  I had a coupon

(of course) and purchased a Stamping Gear set.  However, I did not love the stamps that came with it after trying it out.  Lucky for me, I discovered I could use my Inspired Stamps with it instead!

For this example, I used the poinsettia stamp from the beautiful Christmas Poinsettia stamp set. For this card, it didn't matter that the stamp did not fit on the paddle perfectly.

 I started in a center slot and repeated on all sides. Then I stamped in the 4 corner slots.

This is the result and it could be used to frame a photo on a scrapbook page. 

But I used it as a mat on my card front and in order to do that, I cut it down to fit my card.

A few drops of gold Stickles and a wonderful scripture from the Vintage Christmas Stamp Set and I've completed another Christmas card for a loved one.

New Inspired Stamps!

Inspired Stamps has fabulous new clear acrylic stamps being released today.  Please check the blog for all the goodies!  I am introducing the New Year stamp which I used here with the versatile Time stamp set.

Fall is Flying Fast

I love the Fall/Thanksgiving stamps by Inspired Stamps.  They capture the spirit of the season so well.  For this sweet card, I used the charming Owls stamp set

Along with the sweet Leaves set and my favorite Fall Gratitude stamps set.

I had so much fun creating this card with my Inspired Stamps!

other supplies: Close To My Heart 

2 months to Christmas!

It's just 2 short months until the most wonderful time of the year!  If you haven't made your cards yet, the beautiful clear acrylic stamps from Inspired Stamps can help you with that!  This card is one you can make quickly and then easily duplicate as many as you need.  I used the versatile 1.5"Circle Christmas Stamp Set that includes 6 different festive circle stamps.  Be sure to get yours right away!  While you're shopping be sure to take a look at the great bargains on the clearance/retired stamps.

other supplies: Close To My Heart

Inspired Stamps Fall Card

We are finally starting to experience "cooler" temps here in the Lone Star state and I'm so thankful!  This card states how we feel here when we can say goodbye to 90+ temps-AMAZING!

Good thing my assignment was a Fall card for Inspired Stamps! I started with the lovely lady from the retiring stamp, Abigail with Leaves. If you love her as well, you need to hurry to the online store and snatch her up!  I stamped several of the pumpkins from the Fall Gratitude set onto different shades of cardstock and then cut them out.

I used the same set for my inside sentiment.  I stamped the pumpkins over Washi tape for a subtle look.

Artbooking Made Easy Display Stand

Order the Display Stand and Artbooking Cartridge HERE

Inspired Stamps Thank You Cards

This week we were asked to make a set of thank you cards using Inspired Stamps awesome clear acrylic stamps.  

I used the Fall Gratitude stamp set for this 1st card.  For the 2nd and 3rd cards I turned to the adorable Thank You  set.

other supplies: CTMH paper and ink, Martha Stewart twine, acoens/pumpkins from Michaels.

Inspired Stamps Thursday

My newlywed niece is enduring her first time as a deployed Marine's wife.  I thought this card might cheer her up a bit and it fits the assignment for this week's card at Inspired Stamps.  I used the Patriotic Girl with Heart stamp and the single 2x2 scripture stamp, Psalm 28:7.  I used my Copics to color the stamped images.  

Christmas with Inspired Stamps

Ready or not, Christmas is on the way!  I am sharing a Christmas card using the beautiful Christmas Poinsettia Stamp set from Inspired Stamps. I love how easy it is to color the large flower and the elegant font for the scriptures and sentiments.  I was dreaming of cool crisp evenings snuggled under a crazy quilt and this crazy combination of patterns was the result!  Of course, it was a sizzling 100 degrees at the time but a girl can dream!

other supplies:Copics, stickles, liquid pearls, CTMH ink, Jenni Bowlin  papers

Inspired Stamps Fall Card

It may be September but the Texas weather is stuck in August!  This card using Inspired Stamps has me dreaming of cooler days and crunchy Fall leaves instead of crunchy summer grass!

I used stamps from the Fall Gratitude Stamp Set.
It's one of my favorites and can be used throughout the year.

Be sure you go look at the other beautiful creations by the Design Team!

other supplies: CTMH and Tim Holtz
Tattered Leaves Die cut

Inspired Stamps Birthday Card

This week we were asked to create a birthday card using Inspired Stamps.  I got a bit whimsical and created this girly card using the Birthday Stamp Set. I love the font used on this sentiment. 

Sorry to be so short today but I am in the middle of packing for a 4 day scrapbook retreat I am leading this weekend.  Can't wait!

other supplies: Straws-Queen & Co, Cardstock, ink and dimensional element-CTMH, Fringe scissors-MS, Buttons-Jenny Bowlin , gems-Recollections

Inspired Stamps Thursday

I was in a whimsical mood when I created this sweet card using my Inspired Stamps.  This His Little Ones Thankful Boy stamp always  reminds me of my little guys who are now 17, 19 and 26!

The center "balloon" with the scripture stamp(from the Thank You Stamp Set) is adhered to a spring that will make the balloon pop up when it's removed from the envelope.  

other supplies: Copics, Baker's Twine, American Crafts Glitter tape, CTMH cardstock, ink & Dimensional Shapes, MAMBI card base

Inspired Stamps Swing Card

Inspired Stamps used: Romans 8:28 and Card Ministry Basic Set

Inspired Stamps Thursday

I'm so thrilled to be back on the Inspired Stamps Thursday posts!  Today, I have a set of 3 cards to share with you using 1 2x2 Scripture Stamp, James 1:2.

I chose to go quick and simple and used pre-made card bases for all 3 and then just added a bit of paper, die-cuts and simple embellies to dress them up.  Be sure you check out the whole design team's creations on their blogs or the Inspired Stamp blog!

For the first card, I used a simple pattern paper to stamp the scripture on.

For the final card, I used the Cricut to cut out the oval on the card base.

other supplies: 1st card: MAMBI card base. From CTMH: pattern paper(retired), ink, dimensional element  and resin flower

2nd card: MAMBI card base & butterfly. From CTMH: Artbooking Cricut cartridge, cardstock, ink & Dimensional Element.  Jenni Bowlin pattern paper

3rd card: MAMBI card base.  Little Yellow Bicycle: canvas tape & cork butterflies. CTMH: cardstock, ink and resin flowers

New!New! CTMH!

It's here! The beautiful new Close to My Heart Idea Book is here!  It can be viewed on my WEBSITE.  This book is full of gorgeous new papers, accessories and an amazing new Cricut Cartridge that features double page layouts and themed not so-mini albums.

Final Inspired Stamps Gratitude Suunday

Yes, this is the final week of posts for the 52 weeks of gratitude with Inspired Stamps.  I am sad to see it end early but there just was not enough participation from readers.  If you are still on this journey you can still see awesome artwork using these wonderful scripture stamps on Thursdays here and  at the Inspired Stamps blog!  I used the Proverbs 18:10 stamp.  

other supplies: CTMH Artbooking Cricut cart, Huntington paper pack and stickease 

all release on Aug. 1st

Rejoice Always

Welcome to another Gratitude Sunday with Inspired Stamps.  This week's scripture stamp is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.  Some might believe it is impossible to live out this scripture but it comes from the mouth of God but God would never ask us to do something that is impossible.

Inspired Stamps is making room for new stamp sets and  currently has retiring stamp sets for $7.99 and less.  Don't miss out on this great opportunity. See what's available HERE.

Gratitude Sunday

This scripture should be engraved on the palm of our hands!  Every time I start worrying, this scripture brings me peace.  The stamps is Isaiah 41:10 from the fabulous Inspired Stamps.

Inspired Stamps Gratitude Week 27

I know we are past Independence Day but I figure we can celebrate such a wonderful day all weekend, right?  I created this card for 52 Weeks of Gratitude at Inspired Stamps.  I hope you have been joining us every Sunday for wonderful inspiration and artwork.

This week's scripture stamp, Joshua 1:9, is one of my "go to" scriptures for anyone going through trial.  I am so thankful that we have this command and promise from our Father

other supplies: Close To My Heart "Tommy" paper, CTMH Chalk Marker, Bling from stash

Freedom Banner/3D Stars

Happy 4th of July!

All supplies I used are from Close To My Heart and can be purchased by clicking on the descriptions below:

Tommy Canvas Shapes

Tommy Paper Pack

My Creations Star
Cricut Artiste Cartridge
Cricut Art philosophy Cartridge
Silver Shimmer Trim

Half Way Point of 52 Weeks of Gratitude!

Can you believe we are halfway through the year and halfway through Inspired Stamps 52 Weeks of Gratitude?!  I can't either!!!  I have thoroughly enjoyed these Sunday posts.

This week's scripture is the wellspring of a Christian's gratitude to Christ.  Without His grace, we would be lost for an eternity but through His grace we can be redeemed for eternity.  The scripture stamp is Ephesians 2:5.  

Week 25 of 52 Weeks of Gratitude

Thanks for stopping by to see my weekly card for the Inspired Stamps 52 weeks of Gratitude! We are featuring Acts 5:29 Single Stamp this week.
I can't say it enough, I love how clearly these acrylic stamps stamp!  I also love always having a great scripture in stamp form ready to create a card for a friend.

I hope you are joining us in this weekly journey!  I also pray your summer is off to a great start!

other supplies: CTMH card stock, resin flowers, baker's twine, paper from scrap drawer :)

Quirky Wedding Card

This is a card that came together by using the clutter on my desk!  I know you know what I mean.  All those little leftovers from past projects.  Items you are considering throwing away because it's such pain to  put them away.  I have been hanging onto this 7Gypsies book cover forever, just waiting on the "right " project.  I decided this little vintage "snapshot" from Crafty Secrets would look cute on it with the sentiment below.

When I had that part done, it reminded me of some friends who are getting married soon so I decided then that it was meant to be a wedding card.  I used a premade card base from MAMBI and then added the flower sticker and a few paper buds.  The stained seam binding ribbon tied it all together!

Week 24 of 52 Weeks of Gratitude

This card was born out of my desire to stray from my "usual" colors.  I actually love this color combo now!  It was created for Inspired Stamps using the Psalm 139:23 stamp.

I am thankful on this Father's Day that my 88 year old Dad is still with us and that God chose to make me his daughter.  He has had a difficult time adjusting to being dependent on his kids the last year because of diminishing health but he always comes back to how much he loves and appreciates his 5 children.  Thank you Daddy for raising us to love the Lord and to be strong individuals!